Free online New World screwworm inspector training course launched as reported cases increase in Texas
AUSTIN — As part of the increasing efforts to address the New World screwworm issue that’s making its presence known in Texas, the state is now offering a free online course whose goal is to increase the number of certified inspectors.
As of Friday, there have been nine reported cases of NWS in the state involving cattle and goats, according to the Texas Animal Health Commission. A case involving a dog, while initially seen by a Texas-based veterionarian, has since been assigned to New Mexico.
While anyone can take the modular course for educational purposes, during phase one of the program’s launch, eligibility for certification is offered to the groups listed below. If certified, these people would join the ranks of existing authorized personnel (which includes thousands of Texas veterinarians):
• Licensed veterinarians (not already in the Authorized Personnel Program)
• Veterinary technicians
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agents and Disaster Assessment and Recovery agents
• Texas Department of Agriculture inspectors
• Texas Department of State Health Services Meat Safety inspectors
• Texas Racing Commission inspectors
• Animal control officers
• Livestock deputies
• Designated personnel from temporary livestock aggregation points
A governor’s office media release notes two key impacts: expanding the number of certified NWS inspectors and allowing more residents to inspect their animals and certify the documentation required to safely move them.
NWS is caused by the larvae of a parasitic fly that lay eggs in open wounds on warm-blooded animals, where the larvae feed on the living tissue. It is not contagious and doesn’t spread directly from animal to animal.
Cases to date include:
• June 12, 2026: Tom Green County, calf, umbilical lesion
• June 11, 2026: Edwards County, goat, castration wound
• June 11, 2026: Zavala County, calf, umbilical lesion
• June 9, 2026: Edwards County, calf, castration wound
• June 9, 2026: La Salle County, calf, umbilical lesion
• June 8, 2026: Gillespie County, goat, castration wound
• June 7, 2026: La Salle County, 1-week-old calf, umbilical lesion
• June 5, 2026: Zavala County, 30-day-old calf, umbilical lesion
• June 3, 2026: NWS confirmation in Zavala County, 3-week-old calf with an umbilical lesion (index case)
In addition to the above-mentioned counties, others impacted by quarantine and movement restrictions include Coke, Kerr, Kimble, Sutton, Uvalde, Val Verde, and Webb.
“The State of Texas will use every tool to protect our cattle industry and wildlife while we eradicate this pest,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. “AgriLife and TAHC moved quickly to launch this training. Now more people, including private industry, will be able to inspect and certify animals for movement. Through this program, Texas will protect our ranchers, ensure the security of our food supply, and keep business strong.”
The media release categorized the program as a “first-of-its-kind” and developed by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Texas Animal Health Commission, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The program may expand the eligibility of additional groups to certify as inspectors upon completion of the course.
To take the course, visit the course link, where you will register an account, add the course to your cart, and check out.
Report suspected cases immediately:
Livestock or pets – Texas Animal Health Commission at 1-800-550-8242
Wildlife – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at 512-389-4505
More information – screwworm.gov
Written by Jo Ann Livingston/In The Know Ellis.
